YOGA classes for pregnant women that wowed the Dragons are coming to Dorchester.

Owner of the YogaBellies franchise Cheryl MacDonald and her husband Mike received £50,000 of investment after appearing on Dragon’s Den.

Their business impressed Dragon Duncan Bannatyne, who offered the investment in return for an initial 35 per cent stake in the company.

Mrs MacDonald, author of the recently published Birth ROCKS, started her YogaBellies classes after the birth of her son three years ago and now has over 80 franchises around the world, with the latest coming to Dorchester.

YogaBellies teachers like Laura Meakin, who will be taking sessions in the county town, are giving complete training in unique techniques and advised on how to run their own socially conscious business offering classes in their local area.

Laura said she was excited to be a part of YogaBellies in light of its recent success and exposure and cannot wait to start offering her YogaBellies Birth ROCKS childbirth preparation classes in Dorchester.

She said: “I love being part of YogaBellies Birth ROCKS and really value what our sessions can bring to women, their birthing partners and their babies.

“Our classes are tailored so that mums-to-be are equipped with a range of coping skills and relaxation techniques that are suitable for them as an individual.

“The classes will be small, friendly and relaxed.”

After a pitch on the hit BBC show that included a demonstration of the techniques, Mr and Mrs MacDonald had offers from both Mr Bannatyne – who described the investment as a ‘no brainer’ – and fellow Dragon Deborah Meaden, but they decided the Scottish health club chain owner had more to offer.

Laura will soon be offering her YogaBellies Birth ROCKS small group ante natal classes with private one-to-one sessions also available.

For more details email laura@yogabellies.co.uk